Leave Love Behind
Peanut is purring loudly on my chest while Walnut is napping by my feet, occasionally making the cutest snoring sound.
The warm Christmas lights blink quietly in the corner of my eye, suddenly bringing up a wave of sadness.
In less than a month, I’ll be boarding another one-way flight to China, leaving behind the things I love — including my three beloved cats.
This isn’t the first time I’ve left something I love behind to pursue something I want.
- Thirteen years ago, I left the land where I grew up to study psychology.
- Five years ago, I left a 9-to-5 job that offered stability to build Sober Curiosity.
- And soon, I’ll be leaving behind the American life I’ve built over the past 13 years to write my first book.
Life moves forward. Each time we arrive at a destination, a new lighthouse appears on the horizon, pointing toward the next version of who we’re becoming.
The hard truth is that movement and stagnation cannot coexist.
And even the right decision is almost always accompanied by grief.
It makes me think of you, my friends.
With the new year around the corner, many of you may be contemplating opening a new chapter — one with less alcohol.
Maybe part of you feels like you should feel excited, confident, and filled with resolve.
Maybe you feel wrong or embarrassed for feeling sadness or doubt about the decision.
But the truth is, leaving something that was once a big part of your life is never easy.
It’s okay to feel sad.
It’s okay to feel unsure.
You can feel excited and sad at the same time.
You can mean it and still experience doubt.
You are allowed to grieve — even when letting go is the “right thing” to do.
In this season of new beginnings, what love are you about to leave behind?
And what possibility are you preparing to welcome?
Jeanette
Micro-Dose Journaling Prompt:
Have you ever left something you loved behind for something new or different?
How might your decision to cut back on alcohol next year resemble that experience?
Responses